SALEM – The Oregon Senate passed a complex bill cracking down on child sex trafficking Tuesday, sending the legislation to the House and marking the bill as the main vehicle for legislation on the issue this year.

Senate amendments weakened some of the bill's penalties, Close said, which she hopes to restore once the bill reaches the House Judiciary Committee.

"I have faith in those that will be handling the bill," said Close. "It's not just about getting a bill, it's about getting the right bill."

The Senate legislation was one of a flurry of bills aiming to toughen Oregon's laws on child prostitution. Many of those bills stalled, including one written by Rep. Sara Gelser, D-Corvallis, which would have allowed children charged with prostitution to claim their youth as a defense in court. Social workers say a prostitution arrest record can leave an emotional scar on children.

Close said if the original bill, making paying for sex with a child a felony on the first offense can't pass this session, she'll introduce the bill again next session. The status quo in Oregon isn't right, she said.

"In many cases men who have sex with children are charged with a misdemeanor," Close said. "In 37 states it is a felony to pay for sex with a child in the first offense."

--Christian Gaston

View full sizeSALEM, OREGON - March 28, 2013 - Cherry blossoms frame the State Capitol building and the Capitol Mall, an Oregon State Park. The Oregon State Capitol, the third such building in Oregon housing state government, was built in 1938. Michael Lloyd/The Oregonian.